As always, it is important that you keep your doctor updated on any supplements you plan to take or have started taking and speak to them before supplementing.

Written by Louise O’Connor, The Thyroid Naturopath

Since the body needs iodine to manufacture thyroid hormones, this micronutrient is frequently recommended to treat hypothyroidism. However, taking iodine is controversial among the thyroid community, especially for those with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

Is the ongoing debate confusing? Are you worried too much iodine could spark an autoimmune flare?

Here’s what you need to know to help make things a little clearer…

The Surprising Reasons why Iodine Is So Important For Thyroid Health

Over the past two decades, enormous progress has been made globally in our understanding of iodine.

There’s little doubt iodine is important for thyroid health. And here’s a key point – it’s about balanced intake. Not too much, not too little.

Iodine is an essential micronutrient so only trace amounts are necessary to be effective. A deficiency is associated with goitre, hypothyroidism, reduced fertility, and developmental delays in children.

Let’s look at some other important iodine facts to help you make informed decisions about taking iodine.

FACT 1: Iodine is a must-have nutrient not only for thyroid hormone production, it’s also necessary for thyroid cells to thrive.

FACT 7: Iodine has remarkable benefits, not just for thyroid. It supports immunity, maintenance of breast health, and is good for men’s prostate health. If you’re not maintaining optimal iodine levels it could inadvertently hinder overall health.

How Much Iodine Is Safe?

Currently, healthy people are advised to get 150 micrograms of iodine daily from food and supplements.

Functional medicine doctors and Naturopaths may prescribe 150-300 micrograms per day in the form of potassium iodide to support optimal thyroid function.

Zinc and selenium work in synergy with iodine to aid efficient conversion of T4 to T3. In addition, the iodine-selenium balance is crucial.

The Iodine-Selenium Balance

Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that safeguards the thyroid from oxidative stress. As you may know autoimmune thyroid disorders are associated with excessive oxidative stress. Furthermore, when selenium is low the thyroid is more susceptible to the undesirable effects generated by excess iodine intake.

The Bottom Line:

Remember, you don’t need to go overboard with iodine to help optimise thyroid function. Taking a safe amount also minimises your risk of an autoimmune flare. It’s also wise to consider other essential micronutrients such as selenium and zinc. Finally, we all have unique nutritional needs so speak to your healthcare practitioner before fine-tuning your dietary supplement protocol.

Louise O’Connor, aka The Thyroid Naturopath. Louise’s hypothyroid diagnosis and journey back to wellness ignited a passion to create greater awareness of the importance of optimal thyroid health from her unique Naturopathic perspective. In 2011 Louise formulated ThyroSynergy® to help make a difference to those struggling with hypothyroidism. This top selling supplement supplies ten synergistic vitamins and minerals to recharge vitality, and enhance emotional well-being.* Louise is also the author of the popular e-Book: The Natural Thyroid Diet. Your Holistic Guide to Living Well, Living Vibrantly. (2018 Edition).

If you would like to submit a guest post, whether you’re a thyroid patient, doctor or anyone else, please get in contact.

You can click on the hyperlinks in the above post to learn more and see references to information given.

If you found this article beneficial, please take a moment to share it so we can help others get better with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's, whilst also raising awareness. "Be Your Own Thyroid Advocate."